Examinations for Licensing
Pass Rates
Currently, SWC dental hygiene graduates are highly successful in passing the National Board Dental Hygiene examination as well as clinical board exams. Results of the past few years are included in the PDF link.
National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)
In the final semester of the two-year program, all students are required to apply and take the national board exam. Passing this exam is required to apply for a state license to practice. The link below will take you the the testing website for more information.
Clinical Board Examination/Licensing
After graduation and passing the National Board exam, graduates may apply for either the Western Regional Clinical examination or another regional board exam.As of Janurary 2024 California no longer requires a clinical board exam for licensing. The following links will provide more information on testing and licensing.
- Dental Hygiene Board of California (Contact DHBC about obtaining California Dental Hygiene License)
- Western Regional Examination Board
- Central Regional Dental Testing Services
NOTICE: Graduates applying for the California State Board Examination and a California license to practice dental hygiene are required to report any criminal offenses/convictions at the time of application. Eligibility to take the state board examination is determine by the Dental Hygiene Board of California (DHBC). Licensing may delayed as result of the decision by DHBC.